Hello to everyone!

I haven't updated recently, and I apologize. But I warn you all, in about two weeks there will be a barrage of pictures because on monday we're headed up north!

The destination: Port Douglas! We've booked a resort along 4 Mile Beach for a week of fun and frolic. We plan on scuba diving in the great barrier reef, visiting Daintree National Park (Home of the Oldest Rainforest in the World - estimated at 140 million years of age), whitewater rafting in the mountains, skydiving, and of course relaxing on the pristine sandy beach. By "we" I mean Kathryn, myself, and....my mom!?!? Yes, it's true, she flew down from O-Hi-O for a month-long visit. As a result, I've spent the last week playing the role of Tour Guide through the Brisbane area. It's interesting being the guide and not just the tourist, because it gives me a look at what I was like when I first got here. I ask myself, was I really so obviously touristy?

I think I was. Now I know why everyone was always laughing at me.

Other good news is my picture-taking hardware has been upgraded! My trusty Panasonic Lumix has served well these past 3 years, taking thousands of wonderful pictures. I thought it was only fitting that it be replaced by the newest model Lumix - the TZ3. This incredibly sexy device is packed to the nads with goodies. 7.2MP, 10xOptical Zoom (extendable to 15x optical in 3mp or 12x in 5mp mode courtesy of a CCD sensor), Optical Image Stabilization, 3 inch screen, 20+ scene modes, rechargable lithium-ion battery, and the best quality lens money can buy - courtesy of Leica. And much more...

It's also in the fancy black case instead of the normal silver one - Very cool!

Needless to say, I'm really excited to get it up north and start taking some beautiful pictures.

Oh! And I almost forgot - we're going for a hot air balloon ride tomorrow morning. In fact, I have to get up in less than four and a half hours so we can be on site before 6am to inflate the balloon. So, I'll be taking my leave for now. Keep posted for a big update soon!